Best Cabbage Coleslaw (Printable)

Crisp shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy tangy dressing. Ideal for barbecues, sandwiches, and picnic sides.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 6 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
02 - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
03 - 1 cup carrots, grated
04 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

05 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
06 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon honey
09 - 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, and thinly sliced green onions.
02 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seed, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
04 - Taste the coleslaw and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to achieve desired flavor balance.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to develop flavors and achieve optimal texture.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It's ready in 15 minutes but tastes like you fussed over it for hours.
  • The dressing strikes that perfect balance between creamy and bright that makes every bite refreshing.
  • It actually gets better as it sits, so you can make it ahead and breathe easier.
02 -
  • Don't shred the cabbage too thick or it'll feel woody and rough—aim for pieces thin enough that light passes through them.
  • The dressing thickens slightly as it sits because the vegetables release moisture, so start with what feels creamy and let it adjust naturally over the first 30 minutes.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife or mandoline for shredding—dull blades bruise the cabbage and make it weep moisture too quickly.
  • Toast the celery seed lightly in a dry pan before adding it to the dressing if you want that subtle earthiness to really sing.
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